Tim Cullen to switch from "D" to "I." And a lot of "I" in his move

The Janesville Senate Democrat (D - ?) says his failure to land a big enough committee chairmanship from Senate Democrats is the reason he will bolt the caucus, become an independent and thus undo a year of grassroots struggle and fundraising to take back the Senate.

Here's a part of his explanation, and in it there is a lot of "I":

"It's an insult to my district," Cullen of Janesville said. "I'm going to leave the Senate Democratic caucus. I will be bound by nothing they decide."

He may gain power as a swing vote courted by both parties, but will lose more in respect from Democrats and others who will see this for the ego trip it is.

Where's the loyalty to policies and ideas?

Remember that Cullen had thought about running for Governor in the recall election, but didn't have the money or support to boost a candidacy.

And he toured with Republican state Sen. Dale Schultz in the name of bipartisanship.

This move by Cullen is less a clarion call for bipartisanship or leadership than a loud, "look-at-me" Bronx cheer.

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James Rowen is a political writer and environmental consultant who has had careers in Wisconsin journalism and public service. His blog, which debuted in 2007, focuses on politics, water and other environmental issues. Rowen served as administrative assistant to Madison Mayor Paul Soglin and chief of staff and policy director to Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist. He also worked as a beat and investigative reporter and assistant metro editor at the Milwaukee Journal and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.